Welcome Back, Carter

Camper looks to be a difference maker in second full AHL season

Welcome Back, CarterIt was a little more than the proverbial cup of coffee, but even the three game call up to Boston\u2014which included his first NHL goal (in a 5-3 victory over the Ottawa Senators on Feb. 25, 2012)\u2014wasn\'t enough to fill Carter Camper.

BostonBruins.com — It was a little more than the proverbial cup of coffee, but even the three game call up to Boston—which included his first NHL goal (in a 5-3 victory over the Ottawa Senators on Feb. 25, 2012)—wasn't enough to fill Carter Camper.

"You want to be at the top of your game, and you obviously, your goal is to play in the NHL," said Camper as Providence finished training camp last week. "For me, it's just continuing to see this ice well, continuing to get quicker.

"On and off the ice, I think work needs to be done."

Camper began that work in earnest last week, as the P-Bruins opened the AHL season and Camper earned an assist on a Craig Cunningham goal in Saturday's game at the Bridgeport Sound Tigers.

However, the P-Bruins dropped the first two games of its season. According to Assistant GM Don Sweeney, Camper will be called upon to get the B's on a winning track as they continue their October schedule and throughout the 2012-13 AHL season.

"Players enjoy playing with Carter because they’re going to see the puck," said Sweeney before the P-Bruins home opener. "He has that vision, and hand-set to be able to get puck to players in scoring positions.

"He was an All-Star last year in his first year in the American Hockey League, and he played NHL games. So I think those were real I don’t want to say surprises, but I think from his standpoint, he would admit that those were nice accomplishments, and he’d like to continue to move forward in that regard."

Sweeney also spoke to Camper's solid skill set and the things that put the forward on the Boston roster during a portion of last season.

"Well his creativity," said the B's executive. "His patience with the puck, despite his size.

"He’s able to protect [the puck] very well, and buy time for other players."

Camper, 24, and now an AHL veteran in the context of a team with plenty of young talent, pinpointed the things he'd like to work on as his own development progresses in Providence.

"Continue to get better offensively," said the forward. "Be responsible in the defensive zone. Faceoffs, things like that.

"I think we have a little bit more offense in our lineup so obviously that puts a little bit more pressure on myself and the other guys, but with that offense you can make more plays, and, hopefully, we can score some more goals this year.

"Then also, being in a good position to shoot the puck and score some goals," added Camper. "Sometimes I like to pass a little bit more than shoot, but you know, within reason, I think I need to shoot the puck more."